Open House

by TC Matson

  As I continue down, the pictures begin to tell the life of his family. Trenton was an only child and his parents adored him. They took many trips, most of them by the water. When I end the hallway, Trenton is leaning against the sandy-color granite counter holding a cup of coffee. He appears small in the large room with dark cherry cabinets and stainless steel appliances.

  He grabs the coffee pot and pours the dark liquid into a green mug before handing it too me. “Good morning.”

  I smile. “Good morning.”

  “Did you sleep well?”

  “I did. Did your mother love to cook?”

  His brows pinch together, pulling close with bewilderment.

  I gesture my hand around the kitchen.

  He shakes his head. “Dad did. His favorite spot in any house was the kitchen and he adored cooking for Mom.” He rolls his eyes to the ceiling. “I didn’t get the cooking gene. I can grill, boil water, and pray everything tastes good, but making a meal portraying what a world-class chef would falls numb on my fingers.”

  I giggle. “No wonder it’s been finger foods.”

  He pushes off the counter and kisses my cheek. “I can always take you to a five-star restaurant.”

  “I’ll take pinwheels over the price of those restaurants any day.”

  He laughs. “Unfortunately, I wasn’t expecting company, so unless you want a breakfast bar, I have nothing for you.”

  “I’m usually never hungry in the mornings.”

  “What time do you have to get Lucas?” he asks.

  “Brian usually brings him home before supper time.”

  He nods. “Anything in particular you’d like to do today?”

  “Spend time with you for a little bit,” I say feeling bashful yet brave.

  Ah, the smile that caused. “Lazy Sunday it is. Come on. Let me show you around the house.”

  I was right last night. There is a room dedicated to workout equipment. He recounts how it used to be his dad’s office where he’d escape to write his sports column while his mom sat and did crosswords. It was her favorite pastime when she wasn’t spending time with Trenton. He said she always told him crosswords were what made and kept her mind sharp.

  There’s a guest bedroom, which holds more items from his parents—his dad’s favorite writing pen, a portrait his father had painted of his mother…

  “They adored each other,” I think out loud.

  “They were madly in love. Had been since fifth grade. They lived a block away from each other and Mom always bragged how Dad would get up early and walk her to school. I grew up watching them live out their fairytale as Mom called it.”

  I smile at the thought. “My parents were polar opposites of yours. They only loved each other and in a very private way.”

  “You don’t talk about your parents much,” he states leading us back to the living room.

  “I don’t have much to say. They turned their backs on me and haven’t contacted me in almost eleven years. They’ve never met their only grandchild.”

  He doesn’t say anything. Coming from parents who adored one another and him, I’m sure just the thought alone perplexes him. It took me a long time to accept that my parents wanted nothing to do with me. But with bad experiences come lessons and values ingrained. I will never turn my back on Lucas regardless of the troubles he’ll face.

  Trenton dropped me off about an hour ago, leaving me with a soft kiss and a slow goodbye. I didn’t want him to leave and by the way he was acting, he didn’t either. But unfortunately reality comes back and makes its presence known.

  I shower and then start a simple dinner—spaghetti—my go-to, easy meal. Ten minutes before five, Lucas comes bursting through the door and throws his bag on the couch.

  “Hey,” I call out, tossing the rag on the counter.

  “Hi.” By his tone, there’s something wrong.

  And before I can ask, in walks Pissy Brian, uninvited and with angry eyes. “He’s mad because I wouldn’t buy him a three-hundred-dollar paintball gun because it ‘looked cool.’” He air quotes.

  I swing my head to Lucas. “Since when did you start liking paintball?”

  He shoves his arms across his chest. “Since seeing it on TV.”

  I raise my brow.

  “Doesn’t mean I’m buying you an expensive toy,” Brain objects.

  “It’s not a toy,” Lucas protests in a yelly-voice.

  “When you start showing more interest, we’ll talk about it. Until, drop it. It’s not going to happen,” Brian says sternly and then redirects his glare to me. “I need to talk to you.”

  Those words are starting to lose their seriousness. They’re beginning to be a conversation starter rather than a dreaded thing to hear.

  I tell Lucas to unpack and cool off with a quick shower and then join Brian on the front porch with his pissy eyes and crossed arms. Typical Brian.

  “Lucas tells me you’re seeing his teacher,” he spouts.

  Dammit. I’m going to have this conversation much sooner than I prefer. “I have.”

  “Are you fucking him?”

  I flinch drawing my brows together. “I don’t see where it’s your concern.”

  “I knew there was something between you two. You were fucking him while we were still together.”

  I glower at him. “I was completely faithful to you.”

  “I don’t want him around my son. And if I have to I’ll tell the school—”

  I throw my hands to the side. “And tell them what? That you’re jealous?”

  “Keep him away from my son,” he barks.

  “And if I don’t?”

  His eyes snap flashing a malicious anger. “You will.”

  “Just because you’re a raging asshole doesn’t mean you can control me anymore. I’ll do as I please when I please and how I please. I’ll never intentionally hurt my son.”

  He gives me a once over, puffing out his chest. “You’ve gotten ballsy.”

  I stand up taller, holding my ground without words.

  “I’m still his father.”

  I nod. “You are and I’ll never take that away. You’re a good dad.” I want to spew hateful words. I want to so fucking badly…

  “I’m serious, Ri. No other men around my son.”

  “I’m not going to live my life alone. I don’t expect you to either. Didn’t think your little plan all the way through, did you?” I belittle him.

  “Are you fucking him?” he grits.

  “This conversation is over.” I start back in the house when he grabs my arm causing pain to shoot to my fingers.

  “I’m not done talking,” he seethes.

  I jerk my arm out of his hand. “I am. Goodbye.”

  I shove through the door and slam it behind me, scared he’ll follow.

  I rub the sting from my arm. “Asshole,” I breathe out. I don’t move until I hear his SUV crank and scream away from my driveway.

  I push off the door, make our plates, and sit at the table waiting for Lucas, trying to calm down and not stew over his attitude.

  Chapter 26

  The week went by quickly and without any more instances from Brian. When he dropped Lucas off on Wednesday, he didn’t come to the door like he normally does. I was grateful for it too. After he confronted me, I stewed on it for days without meaning to. I ended up telling Trenton that Brian threatened to run to the school. He laughed it off and said it was a last-ditched empty threat and he wasn’t worried about it. Just to add a layer of peace of mind for me, he spoke with his principal. The principal said as long as it didn’t interfere with teaching, there wasn’t a sign of favoritism, and he kept things professional, he couldn’t do a thing about it. There isn’t a rule established concerning us.

  Trenton came up with the idea of making tonight a movie night with Lucas. I love the idea except we can’t agree on what movie to watch.

  Lucas springs to the door after hearing Trenton’s signature light tap and snatches the door open. “Tell Mom
we are not watching her movie. Tell her to watch Batman Vs. Superman.”

  Trenton steps in the house toting a bag. “What movie does she want to watch?”

  “Some cartoon,” he grumbles rolling his eyes.

  I greet Trenton with a kiss on the cheek. “We’ve watched Batman too many times to count. Finding Dory will be cute.”

  “You’re an adult, Mom,” Lucas says as if I didn’t already know.

  “And animated movies are great for the whole family no matter what age,” I say.

  “They’re for kids, Mom,” he declares candidly.

  This causes Trenton to chuckle. “How about something different?” He pulls a box out of the bag.

  “Twister?” Lucas asks bemused.

  “It’ll be fun. Help me move some stuff.” He pats Lucas on the shoulder and starts sliding furniture out of the way. I figured Lucas would protest that as well, but instead, he jumps right in and helps.

  I can’t tell where bodies start. We’re a tangled mess with our hands and feet on various colors. My butt is in the air. Lucas is a twisted frog. Trenton is a pretzel with half his body across Lucas’ and one leg between mine.

  Steadily, he reaches out and flicks the spinner. “Right hand green!”

  “How the heck am I supposed to get past you?” I ask Lucas. “You’re hogging the whole thing!”

  Lucas giggles and turns his head trying to look up at me hoovering over him. “I’m going to win. This is all strategy.”

  Trenton takes advantage of Lucas and I bantering and slides his hand past mine taking the only green spot closest to me.

  “This isn’t fair!” I crack up, stretching my hand between Lucas to the next closest green.

  Trenton flicks the spinner again and bursts in laughter. “Left leg blue.

  Lucas does it with no problem since he’s young and stretchable. It helps he isn’t in a compromising position too. Trenton quickly nabs one but is sweet enough to leave me the closest one. Just as I start, Lucas adjusts below me, pushing his back into my chest and knocking me off balance. I topple down on top of him.

  “You took me out!” Lucas cackles.

  “You were trying to sabotage me, so you better believe it.” I’m in stitches cracking up.

  I pop popcorn while the boys put everything back and then take a seat beside Trenton on the couch. Trenton settles the debate about the movie and adds the two interests together—How to Train Your Dragon 2. Lucas has seen parts of it but has never watched it all the way through. I fell in love with the first one so you can imagine my excitement to know there was a second one.

  “Mr. B.?” Lucas hasn’t adopted Trenton’s name. He says he feels weird calling him anything other than what he’s used to. “You’re coming to my birthday party, right?”

  “Of course,” he answers.

  “Making sure,” he says nonchalantly.

  Trenton squeezes my knee, smiling proudly, and I rest my head on his shoulder.

  My little family is starting to pull together and I love it.

  “Love you, kiddo. Have a good weekend.”

  Lucas climbs out of the car tossing his bag over his shoulder. It’s Brian’s weekend. “Love you.”

  Brian jogs toward the car, holding up a finger. He stops and says something to Lucas and then strides to my window and bends. “Do you mind if I bring Lucas home late Sunday?”

  “How late?”

  “Around eight? You won’t have to worry about fixing dinner for him. I’m gonna take him to a restaurant in town so he can meet my girlfriend.”

  You’d think that stings. It didn’t. Not even a sliver of jealousy pangs my chest. No waves of envy.

  “Don’t do it out of spite, Brian. If you’re certain things are serious, that’s fine. But if it’s just a random hook up, please don’t drag our son into a malice war against me.”

  “There isn’t a war between us.” His tone is casual, but his eyes hold an evilness. “Since you introduced him to your boyfriend, I figured it was a good time he could meet my girlfriend.”

  “As long as you’re certain she isn’t just a fling—”

  His eyes flash wide with anger. “You introduced him to yours.” His tone is childish. “What’s the big fucking difference?”

  “Trenton went to our son and asked for his permission to date me. I didn’t spring it on him. Besides, they’re not strangers.”

  Anger shifts into rage. Something flares in his eyes, something I didn’t see coming—hurt. “I’ll do it my way. I don’t need my son calling the shots.”

  I smile warmly because if I don’t, I’m going to get pissed and I know my next words will hurt him deeper. “You’re right. I don’t either. But we raised our son to protect his momma. He’s doing a fine job. Please don’t have him around a bunch of different women. It won’t teach him any respect.”

  He slams the palms of his hands on my door. “Does this not hurt you?”

  “Is this what this is? Who can hurt who? I’m not playing that game with you, Brian.”

  “Ri, I don’t—”

  “Just do the right thing for Lucas and not your selfish ways,” I cut in with a softer tone. “Text me and let me know when to expect him.” I reverse out of the driveway, finished with this rotating conversation. It isn’t leading anywhere.

  He scratches the back of his neck, his expression defeated as he watches me drive off. I’m not going to listen to whatever it is he has to tell me. I made my decision long ago. I’m done.

  Instead of making plans with Trenton, I planned a much needed girls’ night with April earlier in the week. Josh is with his dad and I’m curled up in her sofa chair with a glass of wine while she sits on the couch. It’s quiet. No kids. No men. Just us.

  “Brian is introducing Lucas to his girlfriend Sunday,” I tell her, pulling the attention away from the television.

  She blows a breath. “He finds out about Trenton and now all of a sudden he has a girlfriend.”

  I cock a brow agreeing.

  “Do you believe he’s got one?”

  I shrug. “Don’t know. Don’t really care.”

  “Would it bother you if he did?”

  I shake my head. “No.”

  She takes a small sip of her white wine. “You know witnessing it is much different than being told about it.”

  “As long as he doesn’t hump her leg in front of me, I don’t think I’ll be bothered by it.”

  “Are you ready to see it? Him with another woman?”

  “It’s not like I didn’t know the day would come. I hope she makes him happy. He needs that. I hate we wasted years of our lives trying to be that person for each other, but seriously, I’m happy for him.”

  “Uh-huh?”

  I stifle a laugh at her unconvinced expression. “I’m serious.”

  “That’s good. It’s a good sign. Are you going to be okay when his girlfriend has to pick up Lucas?”

  “Provided the bitch won’t try to steal my mom status, I’ll be just fine.”

  “And how does Trenton feel about all of this?”

  Just mentioning his name spreads heat full of adoration to comfort my soul. A faint smile tugs at my lips. “He does well keeping a straight head.”

  “You’re pretty smitten over him,” she says.

  “Uh-huh,” I hum before swallowing my wine.

  “Enough to admit you’re in love with him?”

  This makes me beam from ear to ear. “To you. Yes. Madly. To him? Not yet.”

  “What the hell are you waiting for?”

  I raise a shoulder. “Right timing? I don’t know. Sometimes I feel it’s perfect. Other times I worry he’s not there.”

  “Your head must be stuck up a baboon’s ass. He’s crazy about you. I think you’re scared.”

  “Chicken shit,” I admit. “I haven’t told another man I lo—”

  “Annnd right back to Brian,” she huffs, dropping her head to the back of the couch.

  “Have you? Have you told anyone you love
d them since Jeff?”

  She levels her view. “I haven’t had a serious relationship. My Mr. Perfect hasn’t shown up.”

  I shake my head in a condescending way. “You have no room to talk then.”

  She drops the conversation—she has to. She knows I’m right. She turns her focus back on the television. I feel triumphant. I finally silenced Miss Always Right.

  Chapter 27

  Mother Nature has blessed us with a gorgeous day. It isn’t hot, rainy, windy, or cold. The weather is perfect for Lucas’ birthday party. We’ve had it at the soccer complex for years and I’m not about to change it this year just because of small mishaps.

  Lucas is on the field, kicking the ball, playing a small game of soccer with several of his friends. Most of them are soccer players as well. Another group is shooting basketball and a select few are playing on the playground. Shouts, squeals, and playful banter rush me from all angles and it relieves me to know everyone is having fun. Like my separating from Brian was going to impact their lives.

  I know—ridiculous.

  Trenton is also out on the field with Lucas while April helps me set out all the plates, silverware, and snacks. She sets Lucas’ cake shaped like…you guessed it, a soccer ball, in the middle of the table.

  “Brian not coming?” April asks.

  “He will,” I say hopeful. He’s going to crush Lucas if he doesn’t. Surely he’s not going to miss his own son’s birthday.

  Out of the corner of my eye, I see April stiffen and suck in air. “Uh, Riley? Did you know he was going to bring his girlfriend?”

  I wrench my head behind me. Lucas told me about her Sunday night after he got home. She was pretty, but not as pretty as me, although I know it was a bias opinion. She was weird like she was uncomfortable. She looked really young and had an annoying laugh.

  One thing’s for sure—she’s definitely beautiful and way over dressed. Her black hair is long and flowing, curling toward the ends of the strands. It shines and I can bet she has the hair most girls envy, not experiencing bad hair days. Hell, I think I tame the dragon locks when I shove my hair in a bird’s nest on top of my head where she probably wakes up with top-notch everything.